Trump and family light the US National Christmas Tree

President Donald Trump (R) speaks along with first lady Melania Trump (R) during the 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ellipse, near the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 28 November 2018. This is the 96th annual lighting ceremony EPA-EFE/OLIVER CONTRERAS / POOL

President Donald Trump (R) speaks along with first lady Melania Trump (R) during the 2018 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Ellipse, near the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 28 November 2018. This is the 96th annual lighting ceremony EPA-EFE/OLIVER CONTRERAS / POOL

EFE

US President
Donald Trump
and
First Lady
Melania Trump on Wednesday celebrated the annual tradition of turning on the lights of the National Christmas Tree, located at the Ellipse in President's Park south of the
White House
.

Trump gave the honor of lighting up the tree to his wife Melania, who flicked the switch after a countdown initiated by the president and seconded by attendees to discover a tree illuminated in green and red.

"Merry Christmas, everybody," Trump exclaimed after dedicating a few words to those affected by the "devastating wildfires, destructive hurricanes and terrible tragedies" that have plagued the United States in recent months.

Around the large National Christmas Tree, as usual, 56 smaller trees were installed, whose decorations were designed by school children dedicated to each of the Union's 50 states and territories, including Puerto Rico.

Before the ceremony on the cold Washington night, where thermometers marked 1 degree Celsius, the first lady defended the red Christmas trees she had installed inside the White House which generated some controversy.

"We're in the 21st century, and everybody has a different taste. I think they look fantastic. I hope everybody will come over and visit it. In real life, they look even more beautiful. You are all welcome to visit the White House, the people's house" Melania Trump told reporters accompanying her.